U.S. patent application number 14/879362 was filed with the patent office on 2016-04-14 for galley module, cabin arrangement, and aircraft.
The applicant listed for this patent is Airbus Operations GmbH. Invention is credited to Javier PEREZ-TORRA, Martin SIEBEN.
Application Number | 20160101866 14/879362 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51687947 |
Filed Date | 2016-04-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160101866 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
SIEBEN; Martin ; et
al. |
April 14, 2016 |
GALLEY MODULE, CABIN ARRANGEMENT, AND AIRCRAFT
Abstract
A galley module comprises a base galley section and a top galley
section, wherein the base galley section comprises a top end
adapted for carrying the top galley section. The base galley
section comprises a first functional arrangement with a first
access direction in a horizontal plane and the top galley section
comprises at least one second functional arrangement having a
second access direction in the horizontal plane. The first access
direction and the second access direction enclose an angle of at
least 90.degree. in the horizontal plane.
Inventors: |
SIEBEN; Martin; (Hamburg,
DE) ; PEREZ-TORRA; Javier; (Hamburg, DE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Airbus Operations GmbH |
Hamburg |
|
DE |
|
|
Family ID: |
51687947 |
Appl. No.: |
14/879362 |
Filed: |
October 9, 2015 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
244/118.5 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B64C 1/1423 20130101;
B64D 11/04 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B64D 11/04 20060101
B64D011/04; B64C 1/14 20060101 B64C001/14 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Oct 10, 2014 |
EP |
14 188 548.3 |
Claims
1. A galley module, comprising: a base galley section and a top
galley section, wherein the base galley section comprises a top end
adapted for carrying the top galley section, wherein the base
galley section comprises a first functional arrangement with a
first access direction in a horizontal plane, wherein a main part
of the top galley section comprises at least one second functional
arrangement having a second access direction in the horizontal
plane and wherein the first access direction and the second access
direction enclose an angle of at least 90.degree. in the horizontal
plane.
2. The galley module of claim 1, wherein the angle enclosed by the
first access direction and the second access direction is
90.degree..
3. The galley module of claim 1, wherein the angle enclosed by the
first access direction and the second access direction is
180.degree..
4. The galley module of claim 1, wherein the first functional
arrangement comprises at least one storage space for receiving
containers for use inside the cabin.
5. The galley module of claim 1, wherein the second functional
arrangement comprises at least one storage compartment.
6. The galley module of claim 1, wherein the base galley section
comprises a width, which exceeds the depth of the top galley
section.
7. The galley module of claim 2, wherein the base galley section
comprises a working surface, which extends from a first lateral
wall of the base galley section to an access side of the top galley
section.
8. The galley module of claim 1, further comprising a holder for
attaching a partition curtain.
9. The galley module of claim 1, wherein the second functional
arrangement is adapted for housing galley inserts.
10. A cabin arrangement for a cabin of a vehicle, comprising: a
cabin floor; and a galley module arranged on the cabin floor, the
galley module, comprising: a base galley section and a top galley
section, wherein the base galley section comprises a top end
adapted for carrying the top galley section, wherein the base
galley section comprises a first functional arrangement with a
first access direction in a horizontal plane, wherein a main part
of the top galley section comprises at least one second functional
arrangement having a second access direction in the horizontal
plane and wherein the first access direction and the second access
direction enclose an angle of at least 90.degree. in the horizontal
plane.
11. The cabin arrangement of claim 10, further comprising a door
region, wherein an access side of the base galley section faces to
the door region.
12. The cabin arrangement of claim 10, wherein the galley module
rests flush against an inner wall of the cabin, wherein an access
side of the top galley section faces away from said inner wall.
13. The cabin arrangement of claim 10, further comprising a
partition curtain extending between the galley module and a
monument inside the cabin.
14. The cabin arrangement of claim 13, wherein the galley module is
arranged between an aisle and a door region, wherein the partition
curtain extends between an edge of the galley module facing the
aisle and the monument.
15. An aircraft cabin arrangement, comprising: a cabin floor; and a
galley module arranged on the cabin floor, the galley module,
comprising: a base galley section, and a top galley section,
wherein the base galley section comprises a top end adapted for
carrying the top galley section, wherein the base galley section
comprises a first functional arrangement with a first access
direction in a horizontal plane, wherein a main part of the top
galley section comprises at least one second functional arrangement
having a second access direction in the horizontal plane and
wherein the first access direction and the second access direction
enclose an angle of at least 90.degree. in the horizontal plane, a
partition curtain extending between the galley module and a
monument inside the cabin, and wherein the galley module is
arranged between an aisle and a door region, wherein the partition
curtain extends between an edge of the galley module facing the
aisle and the monument.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority to European Patent
Application No. 14 188 548.3, filed 10 Oct. 2014, which is
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The embodiments described herein relate to a galley module,
a cabin arrangement for a cabin of a vehicle as well as an aircraft
having a cabin with such a cabin arrangement.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Commonly, a cabin of an aircraft or another large commercial
vehicle comprises a plurality of passenger seats as well as a
number of functional components, such as cabin monuments comprising
a toilet, a galley, cabin attendant seats and so on. Due to a
limited installation space in the cabin, galley modules are often
installed in the vicinity of an aircraft door, at a forward-most
end or at a rearward-most end of the cabin.
[0004] A galley module often comprises a front, which is accessible
to cabin personnel. The front may be divided in several different
sections for accomplishing different tasks. For example, a galley
may comprise a plurality of storage spaces at a bottom side for
storing cabin trolleys. These are adapted for receiving a trolley,
which is pushed into the respective storage space along the cabin
floor. Furthermore, a galley may comprise additional, but smaller
storage compartments above the storage spaces, which storage
compartments are adapted for storing various items or food. Still
further, it is known to provide compartments for receiving
electrically operated devices, such as ovens, coffee machines, etc.
which are usually referred to as galley inserts (GAIN).
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 7,780,114 B2 shows a modular galley for an
aircraft with several vertical and horizontal structural elements
and usage areas provided there between for accommodating slide-in
devices.
[0006] Furthermore, it is known to combine different functional
components into a larger monument extending over the complete width
of a rear section of an aircraft cabin. Exemplarily, WO 2012110643
A1 discloses a combination of lavatory modules and galley modules
in one large monument.
SUMMARY
[0007] The size of galleys to be integrated, especially in a door
region of an aircraft cabin, is limited due to several regulations,
which e.g. require the ability for a direct view from certain
positions in the cabin. For example, regulatory authorities require
that each seat located in a passenger compartment designated for
use by cabin crew members should provide an unobstructed view of
the cabin area for which the respective crew member is responsible.
In this regard, the term "direct view" stands for providing a
visual contact with a cabin main area and aisles, enabling a flight
attendant to be made aware of safety related passenger needs when a
respective flight attendant is seated.
[0008] Furthermore, it is a constant aim to increase the number of
passenger seats in an aircraft cabin, such that a space-efficient
design of a galley module is desired, which may be installed in
spaces that do not suggest themselves for passenger seats or that
allow to reduce the available space inside the cabin. Hence, it is
an object of the embodiment to provide a galley module, which is as
space-efficient as possible.
[0009] A galley module is provided that comprises a base galley
section and a top galley section, wherein the base galley section
comprises a top end adapted for carrying the top galley section,
wherein the top galley section is positioned on the top end of the
base galley section. The base galley section comprises at least one
first functional arrangement with a first access direction in a
horizontal plane. A main part of the top galley section comprises
at least one second functional arrangement having a second access
direction in the horizontal plane. The first access direction and
the second access direction enclose an angle of at least 90.degree.
in the horizontal plane.
[0010] Hence, the galley module is basically divided into two
separate or segregated vertical sections, which are arranged on top
of each other. The base galley section may be designed so as to be
placed on a cabin floor and so as to be lockable in position. The
base galley section may rigidly support the top galley section.
Since it is arranged under the top galley section, it may comprise
at least one horizontally accessible opening that has a lower end
flush with a cabin floor, on which the base galley section is
located. Consequently, the base galley section may preferably
comprise at least one storage compartment for receiving cabin
trolleys or other large or bulky items, allowing to simply push
objects into the base galley section or to simply pull them
out.
[0011] Basically, the top galley section may include any device or
arrangement for any desire and may either form an integral part
with the base galley section or may be realized as a separately
manufactured component, which is simply attached to a dedicated
receiving surface or frame of the base galley section. In this
regard, a main part may refer to at least 2/3 of a main measure,
such as the width, or the volume of the top galley section. This
does not exclude the fact that a minor part of the top galley
section may include a clearly smaller arrangement, which comprises
another access direction.
[0012] A gist of the embodiment lies in providing two different
access directions, which are at least perpendicular to each other.
This design particularly allows the installation of the galley
module according to the embodiment in a region with a strictly
limited space, such as in a door region of the aircraft cabin. As
the base and the top galley section are separated through their
"twist" and as the access directions differ, it may especially be
possible to provide clearly different widths and depths of both
sections, such that the top section does not obstruct a direct view
from a cabin attendant seat at a certain position and by still
allowing to provide a sufficient space in a base galley section,
e.g. for storing cabin trolleys.
[0013] Such a "twisted" design particularly aims at optimizing the
use of available cabin floor space forward and aft of the door
areas, while the galley module according to the embodiment may also
be integrated into other spots in the cabin with strict space
constraints. Furthermore it allows to separate passenger related
and cabin crew related functions of the galley module through their
different access directions. Advantageously, this enables
self-service stations, e.g. for domestic flights with reduced
service or minimum cabin crew or long range flights during cabin
crew off-duty time. In addition, passenger-related functions of the
galley module may improve certain lounge or first class
configurations.
[0014] Resultantly, the galley module has two distinct main
advantages. A first essential advantage lies in the physical
separation of the space required in front of the top galley section
and the base galley section. This leads to gaining additional space
for lateral seating areas in a cabin by especially turning the base
galley section part towards a cross aisle, e.g. between two
longitudinal (in x-direction of the aircraft) aisles and therefore
reducing the space required by the items for use in the top galley
section or in the lower galley section in a longitudinal (x)
direction.
[0015] Further, additional storage space or work deck space in or
in front of the top galley section may be created, as the internal
layout of the galley module may be completely rearranged to make
best use of the available space, such as aircraft structure and
systems. This leads to avoiding operational problems of lateral
transversal galleys with door frame lining, door hinges, slide
rafts or other items by turning either the top or base section of
the galley module towards a longitudinal aisle in the cabin.
[0016] Still further, a clear separation, which may be accomplished
by means of a curtain, may be accomplished between the top and base
galley section. This enables access to the trolleys or other bulky
items stored in the base galley section from a dedicated galley
area reserved for cabin crew members, while still allowing
passenger to access snacks, drinks or electrically operated devices
adapted for self-service operation in the top galley section
without entering said dedicated galley area.
[0017] In addition, the "twisted" design improves the structural
integrity of the galley module.
[0018] In an advantageous embodiment, the angle enclosed by the
first axis direction and the second axis direction is 90.degree..
Hence, the base galley section and the top galley section have
front faces, which are perpendicular to each other on a horizontal
plane, such that the functions accomplished by both galley sections
are clearly separated from each other. Especially in regions in
front of or at the end of a passenger seat arrangement or group, or
in corners where two adjacent faces of the galley module are
accessible, such a perpendicular arrangement is preferred.
[0019] In an alternative, the angle enclosed by the first axis
direction and the second axis direction may also be 180.degree..
This may be feasible in regions in front of or behind arrangements
of passenger seats particularly in cabins with two parallel aisles,
when the galley module is placed in a center region between the two
aisles.
[0020] In a still further advantageous embodiment, the first
functional arrangement comprises at least one storage space for
receiving containers for use inside the cabin. These containers may
be cabin trolleys or other containers for storing food or other
items. Preferably, the base galley section is coupled with or
includes a cooling system for cooling the containers to be stored
in the storage spaces. However, as the base galley section
preferably comprises larger dimensions than the top galley section,
the storage spaces may also be adapted for receiving other large
and bulky items or containers.
[0021] It is preferred that the second functional arrangement
comprises at least one storage compartment. The storage compartment
may be adapted for housing electrically operated or non-electrical
devices for use in the cabin. However, the storage compartment may
also simply be adapted for storing various items, which may be used
inside the cabin.
[0022] Still further, the base galley section comprises a width,
which exceeds the depth of the top galley section. Especially in a
perpendicular arrangement of both access directions, only a part of
a top end of the base galley section is occupied by the top galley
section.
[0023] Still further, the base galley section comprises a working
surface, which extends from a first lateral wall of the base galley
section to an access side of the top galley section. When the top
galley section is smaller in depth than the width of the base
galley section, this leaves a part of the top end of the base
galley section unused, which part may preferably be adapted for
constituting a working surface. This part may be equipped with a
surface coating, e.g. a resin and fiber web based laminate or any
other suitable surface cover designed for this purpose.
[0024] The galley module may further comprise a holder for
attaching a partition curtain. The top galley section and/or the
base galley section may then have limited or no access, depending
on the exact position of the holder, when the partition curtain is
attached to the holder and extends to another position in the
cabin. In an advantageous embodiment, the holder may be a removable
holder, which is fastenable at different positions of the galley
module. For this purpose, the holder may comprise a latching
mechanism that allows to selectively attach the holder to the
galley module at different positions throughout the normal
operation of the vehicle, i.e. without requiring tools.
[0025] As indicated above, the second functional arrangement may be
adapted for housing electrically operated galley inserts, such as
coffeemakers, ovens, etc. or non-electrical inserts.
[0026] Embodiments further relate to a cabin arrangement for a
cabin in a vehicle, comprising a cabin floor and a galley module
having any of the features mentioned above, which galley module is
arranged on the cabin floor.
[0027] The cabin arrangement may further comprise a door region,
wherein an access side of the base galley section faces the door
region. A door region is to be understood as a part of the cabin,
which is directly adjacent to an access door that selectively opens
or closes an opening in a fuselage of the vehicle and provides
access from outside the vehicle into the cabin inside the vehicle.
The door region preferably includes a cabin floor section, which
directly follows on the opening in the fuselage and which must be
trespassed when entering or leaving the cabin.
[0028] In another advantageous embodiment, the galley module rests
flush against an inner wall of the cabin, wherein an access side of
the top galley section faces away from said inner wall.
[0029] Still further, the cabin arrangement may comprise a
partition curtain extending between the galley module and a
monument inside the cabin.
[0030] Also, the galley module may be arranged between an aisle and
a door region, wherein the partition curtain extends between an
edge of the galley module facing the aisle and the monument.
[0031] Still further, the embodiments relate to an aircraft having
a cabin arrangement according to the above-mentioned features.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0032] The various embodiments will hereinafter be described in
conjunction with the following drawing figures, wherein like
numerals denote like elements, and:
[0033] In addition, other objects, desirable features and
characteristics will become apparent from the subsequent summary
and detailed description, and the appended claims, taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings and this background.
[0034] FIG. 1 shows a schematic three-dimensional view of an empty
galley module according to an embodiment.
[0035] FIG. 2 shows a schematic three-dimensional view of a galley
module equipped with galley inserts according to an embodiment.
[0036] FIGS. 3A and 3B show a top view onto a cabin of an aircraft
having a galley module comprising a partition curtain according to
embodiments.
[0037] FIG. 4 shows a three-dimensional view of a galley module
installed in a cabin of an aircraft according to an embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0038] The following detailed description is merely exemplary in
nature and is not intended to limit the disclosed embodiments or
the application and uses thereof. Furthermore, there is no
intention to be bound by any theory presented in the preceding
background detailed description.
[0039] FIG. 1 shows an empty galley module 2 having a base galley
section 4 comprising a lower end 6 and a top end 8, between which
exemplarily three storage spaces 10 for receiving cabin trolleys
are located. Just for the purpose of providing an exemplary
embodiment, the base galley section 4 comprises a number of flaps
12 for covering access openings of the storage spaces 10. This may
particularly support a cooling function and prevent cooled air to
flow out from the individual storages spaces 10. It goes without
saying that the base galley section 4 may comprise a larger or
smaller number of storage spaces 10 or any other functional
arrangement, which allows to efficiently use the space provided in
the base galley section depending on the available and/or required
installation space.
[0040] The cabin trolleys may be moved in their associated storage
spaces 10 through pushing in a first access direction 14 or through
pulling opposite to the first access direction 14 parallel to a
cabin floor 16, on which the lower end 6 rests. As the galley
module 2 is adapted for the installation in an aircraft cabin or
the cabin of another commercial transportation means, the cabin
floor 16 is horizontal, such that the first access direction 14
lies in a horizontal plane.
[0041] On top of the top end 8, a top galley section 18 is
positioned, which comprises a number of storage compartments 20 for
receiving electrically operated galley devices, so-called galley
inserts (GAIN), for receiving non-electrical inserts (NELI) or for
simply being used for storing items, which may be supported by a
door or a flap for selectively opening and closing the storage
compartments 20. The top galley section 18 is not necessarily a
separately manufactured part, which is then installed on top of the
base galley section 4, but it may also be an integral part together
with the base galley section 4.
[0042] A characteristic feature of the galley module 2 according to
an embodiment lies in the fact that the top galley section 18
comprises a second access direction 22, which is parallel to the
cabin floor 16 and which encloses an angle to the first access
direction 14 of exemplarily 90.degree.. Hence, the access
directions for the top galley section 18 and the base galley
section 4 are perpendicular to each other. This means, that a
person standing in front of a lateral wall 24 of the base galley
section 4 may simply access the storage compartments 20 or any
other functional arrangement of the top galley section 18, while
the storage compartments 10 for cabin trolleys or any other
functional arrangement remains completely unobstructed. This
provides to the ability to access the storage spaces 10
independently, while allowing a space efficient design of the
galley module 2.
[0043] The width of the base galley section 4 is indicated by d1.
This measure may be determined by the available (and required or
desired) space in the cabin and is measured along the individual
storage spaces 10 between the outermost lateral delimitations. The
depth of the base galley section 4 is indicated by d2. In case it
is planned to store full size cabin trolleys in the base galley
section 4, the measure d2 may be determined by the extension of
these full size trolleys. However, it may also be possible to store
a single half size trolley, a plurality of half size trolleys one
behind the other or a combination of one or more half size trolleys
and a full size trolley. Thus, the dimension d2 is not limited by
the length of a common full size or half size trolley.
[0044] To achieve a harmonic appearance and for rendering the use
of the available space as efficient as possible, the width of the
top galley section 18, which is indicated by d3, may be equal to
d2. However, this is not necessarily the case, as by reducing the
width d3 or by exceeding the width d2, the creation of a step
between both galley sections 4 and 18 is possible.
[0045] The depth of the top galley section 18, which is indicated
by d4, may be clearly smaller than d1, such that a fraction of a
surface 26 on the top end 8 of the base galley section 4 remains
unused, but provides a working surface 26 or allows to temporarily
deposit objects. It goes without saying, that the working surface
26 may preferably be coated or covered with an abrasion resistant
material.
[0046] The galley module 2 exemplarily comprises a second lateral
surface 28, which is positioned opposite to the first lateral
surface 24, but is not necessarily closed. As apparent in FIG. 1,
the second lateral surface 28 is curved, which allows to install
the galley module 2 in a lateral region of a cabin, such that the
second lateral surface 28 rests flush on an interior surface of a
cabin lining, which follows the contour of the fuselage.
[0047] In FIG. 2, the galley module 2 is shown with galley inserts
30 placed in a part of the top galley section 18, i.e. in suitably
adapted storage compartments 20. These may include ovens,
coffeemakers or other electrically operated or non-electrical
inserts. It is conceivable that the storage compartments 20 house
devices, which may be accessible by passengers, for example for
flights with a reduced service on board. These devices may simply
include just shelves or trays that store snacks or drinks, while
also devices for making coffee are possible. It is clearly apparent
from FIG. 2 that the storage spaces 10 remain completely
unobstructed even when a plurality of persons access the top galley
section 18.
[0048] In FIGS. 3A and 3B, a cabin arrangement 32 is shown.
Exemplarily, FIG. 3A shows a rear section of a cabin 34 with a door
36, a door region 38 directly adjacent to the door 36 inside the
cabin 34, a group of exemplarily three seats 40, which group
extends from a fuselage wall 42 to an aisle 44 as well as the
galley module 2 of FIGS. 1 and 2. The galley module 2 extends from
a lining element 42 into the direction of the aisle 44, but does
not extend into the cabin 34 as far as the group of seats 40 does.
This means, that the first lateral surface 24 comprises a distance
to the innermost seat 40 in y-direction. However, in case the group
of seats 40 only comprises two seats or less, the galley module 2
may extend further into the cabin 34 than the group of seats 40
does. The galley module 2 may also be designed so as to extend as
far into the cabin 34 as the group of seats 40 does.
[0049] The storage spaces 10 are accessible from the door area 38
in the first access direction 14, while the storage compartments 20
are accessible from the aisle 44 in the second access direction
22.
[0050] It may be possible to let a partition curtain 46 extend
between the galley module 2 and a center monument 48, such that the
access to the galley module 2 may be limited. For example, the
curtain may be extendable from a forward end of the galley module 2
(in x-direction) to the center monument 48, such that neither the
storage compartments 20 nor the storage spaces 10 are accessible.
The partition curtain 46 may be fixed to the galley module 2 by
means of a holder 49, which may be rigidly mounted to the galley
module 2, or which may be releasably fastenable in order to change
its position. The opposite end of the partition curtain 46 may be
attachable to a corresponding holder or lock (not illustrated).
[0051] FIG. 3B shows an alternative arrangement, in which the
partition curtain 46 extends from a rear end of the galley module 2
to the center monument 48, such that at least the storage
compartments 20 are accessible from a person on the aisle 44. This
may also allow passengers to use the top galley section 18, which
may be adapted for self-service operation.
[0052] Also, two partition curtains 46, i.e. the one shown in FIG.
3A and the one shown in FIG. 3B, may both be present and both may
extend from an end of the galley module 2 to another installation
in the cabin 34, such as the center monument 48.
[0053] In the exemplary embodiments shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the
cabin 34 comprises a second aisle 50, which extends at an opposite
side of the center monument 48 parallel to the other aisle 44.
However, this is not necessarily the case, as the galley module 2
may also be installed in a cabin having only a single aisle.
[0054] In a still further view presented in FIG. 4, a
three-dimensional illustration of the cabin arrangement 32 without
partition curtain 46 is shown from an aisle position, showing the
group of seats 40, the galley module 2 as well as the door 36 and
the door region 38. It is apparent that the base galley section 4
slightly extends into the aisle 44 and allows a person to have
access to galley inserts 30. In front of the galley inserts 30, a
workspace 26 is available for temporarily placing objects.
[0055] In these illustrations, the storage spaces 10 are hidden,
but it is clearly apparent that they may be accessed from the door
region 38. Hence, even if the storage compartments 20 are accessed
from a position adjacent to the first lateral wall 24, the storage
spaces 10 remain completely unblocked.
[0056] Due to the reduced size of the top galley section 18, a
direct view from a cabin attendant seat at an opposite side of the
door region 38 is not obstructed. Hence, the galley module 2
according to this embodiment allows to efficiently use the space
available in or directly adjacent to the door region 38 under
compliance with all relevant regulations.
[0057] In FIGS. 1 to 4, a galley module 2 is shown with a first
access direction 14 and a second access direction 22, which are
perpendicular to each other. However, depending on the available
installation space, the access directions may also enclose a
clearly larger angle, such as 180.degree.. This means, that the
storage compartments 20 may be accessible from a rear side of the
galley module, while the storage spaces 10 are accessible from a
front side of the galley module 2.
[0058] It is also conceivable that the galley module 2 is arranged
in a forward-most area of the cabin, such as in a forward door
region or between a door region and a cockpit.
[0059] It should be pointed out that "comprising" does not exclude
other elements or steps, and "a" or "an" does not exclude a plural
number. Furthermore, it should be pointed out that characteristics
or steps which have been described with reference to one of the
above exemplary embodiments can also be used in combination with
other characteristics or steps of other exemplary embodiments
described above. Reference characters in the claims are not to be
interpreted as limitations.
[0060] While at least one exemplary embodiment has been presented
in the foregoing detailed description, it should be appreciated
that a vast number of variations exist. It should also be
appreciated that the exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments
are only examples, and are not intended to limit the scope,
applicability, or configuration of the embodiment in any way.
Rather, the foregoing detailed description will provide those
skilled in the art with a convenient road map for implementing an
exemplary embodiment, it being understood that various changes may
be made in the function and arrangement of elements described in an
exemplary embodiment without departing from the scope of the
embodiment as set forth in the appended claims and their legal
equivalents.
* * * * *